Starting with what you've got

"But why would I want to see you again? I already know what you look like."

An eight year old's reply when I told her that it was the last session I would spend working on Maths with her.

An (almost) cute example of children's lack of sentimentality and tendency to take things literally, but, also, kind of true...

I'd visited her school in East London once a week for two terms as part of a CSR programme, and I had loved it. I'd made a connection with the area I worked in and I had left the office and done something different for a couple of hours a week.

Had the pupil I was working with improved in her Maths? I'm not convinced.
Had she enjoyed it? Yes, I think so.
Would it make much difference in her life? Probably not.

There is nothing wrong with these kind of CSR programmes. They do a bit of good and no harm. The problem is that they miss the point. Most companies have so much at their disposal; I was working with top finance, risk and management professionals, not teachers.

Companies should start by thinking about how they can make the most difference with what they already have: turning their existing skills to a social purpose...

Maybe start with what you've got and go micro?